Moya appointed sporting director at Subaru.

The 555 Subaru World Rally Team has announced today that they have appointed former world champion co-driver, Luis Moya, as its sporting director.

Moya has "the perfect blend of hands-on experience, strategic know-how and enthusiasm," according to team principal David Lapworth and, after a hugely successful 14-year WRC career, enjoys a first class reputation with drivers and teams alike.

"Rallying has always been my passion," said Moya. "Since I left the co-drivers seat at the end of the 2002 season, I've been thinking carefully about other opportunities within the sport. For me, Subaru is the most prestigious team in the WRC, and the opportunity to work as part of their management team, especially at such a dynamic and exciting time, is just perfect."

Moya's remarkable WRC co-driving career started in 1988 when he teamed up with fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz, to establish what would become one of rallying's most enduring partnerships. Alongside Sainz, Moya won two World Championship co-drivers' titles, [in 1990 and 1992] and was runner-up on a further four occasions - twice as part of the Subaru World Rally Team [in 1994 and 1995]. With a career total of 24 WRC victories, he is the most successful co-driver in the history of the modern WRC.

Working with team principal David Lapworth and team manager Paul Howarth, Moya will join Subaru in time for the start of the San Remo rally on 3 October. His main areas of responsibility will be driver management, event strategy, and managing the team's relationship with the FIA.

"Anyone who knows Luis will tell you he's an inspirational and charismatic figure," said Lapworth. "With Petter Solberg, Richard Burns and the ongoing development of the Impreza, 2004 looks set to be one of the most exciting seasons our team has known, but it also promises to be one of the most fiercely competitive. Luis is an excellent team motivator, and with him on board, coupled with the skill of our other key managers, I believe no-one can match our new team's passion and expertise."